Integration by Parts - Choice of variables

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on the application of Integration by Parts for the integral \(\int 2x^3 e^{x^2} dx\). The correct choice of variables is \(u = x^2\) and \(dv = 2x e^{x^2} dx\), leading to the solution \(x^2 e^{x^2} - e^{x^2} + C\). An incorrect choice of \(u = 2x^3\) and \(dv = e^{x^2} dx\) results in an erroneous solution due to a miscalculation of the integral of \(e^{x^2}\). The discussion highlights the importance of careful variable selection in Integration by Parts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Integration by Parts formula: \(\int u dv = uv - \int v du\)
  • Familiarity with exponential functions, specifically \(e^{x^2}\)
  • Basic differentiation techniques to compute \(du\) and \(v\)
  • Knowledge of polynomial functions and their integration
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the nuances of Integration by Parts with various function combinations
  • Learn about the integral of \(e^{x^2}\) and its implications in calculus
  • Practice solving integrals involving polynomials multiplied by exponential functions
  • Explore common mistakes in Integration by Parts and how to avoid them
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, particularly those learning Integration by Parts, as well as educators looking for examples of common pitfalls in integration techniques.

takarin
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Homework Statement



I'm getting different results when choosing my u & dv for Integration by Parts on the following integral:

[tex]\int 2x^3 e^x^2 dx[/tex]
(Note, the exponent on 'e' is x^2)

This yields the correct solution:
u = [tex]x^2[/tex]
dv = [tex]2x e^x^2 dx[/tex]

du = [tex]2xdx[/tex]
v = [tex]e^x^2[/tex]

However, I have tried using this instead (*)

u = [tex]2x^3[/tex]
dv = [tex]e^x^2 dx[/tex]

du = [tex]6x^2 dx[/tex]
v = [tex](e^x^2) / 2x[/tex]

and this is yielding the incorrect solution (see 3.)

Homework Equations


Integration by Parts:
[tex]\int udv = uv - \int vdu[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



The correct solution turns out to be
[tex]x^2 e^x^2 - e^x^2 + C[/tex]

When I use my other choice of variables (*), I get (using IBP)
[tex]\int 2x^3 e^x^2 dx = 2x^3 e^x^2 / 2x - \int e^x^2 / 2x * 6x^2 dx[/tex]
which leads to:
[tex]x^2 e^x^2 - 3/2 e^x^2 + C[/tex]

which is different from the other choice of variables.

I've looked over both choices of variables, and I don't know why the second choice (*) comes up with a different solution.

Thanks for the help!
 
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Your error is that the integral of [tex]e^{x^2}[/tex] isn't [tex]e^{x^2}/(2x)[/tex]. (I'm assuming you meant to have parentheses on the bottom, but perhaps not. Regardless, the answer is incorrect either way.)
 
Ah! Silly me, I've been staring at it and completely overlooked that. Thanks for your quick reply, I'll avoid such carelessness in the future :)
 

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